South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared martial law during an emergency address. Medical staff must resume duties within 48 hours or face penalties.

Military tanks are seen on the streets of Seoul, as protests occur outside Parliament amidst the imposition of martial law.

Thousands of people protested outside the Parliament against President Yoon Suk Yeol’s unprecedented imposition of martial law, which was announced during a televised address.

• Martial law has been declared in South Korea by the President to counter ‘anti-state’ forces.
• Protests have erupted, resulting in clashes between security forces and demonstrators.
• Military vehicles and troops have secured the National Assembly, and the entrance has been closed.

Complete chaos erupted in South Korea on Tuesday evening after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law to eliminate what he termed “anti-state” forces, accusing the opposition-controlled Parliament of sympathizing with communist North Korea.

Thousands of people took to the streets, attempting to enter the National Assembly to oppose the martial law imposition. Clashes occurred between security forces and protesters outside the Parliament building in Seoul.

A fleet of tanks, armored vehicles, and South Korea’s martial command forces, armed with guns, were seen entering the Parliament. Visuals circulating on social media showed police officers guarding the entrance of the National Assembly, with helmeted soldiers carrying rifles positioned in front of the main building to prevent unauthorized access.

According to the Associated Press, at least three helicopters, likely from the military, landed on the assembly grounds, while two or three helicopters circled above the site. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries have been reported so far.

Amid the widespread unrest in Seoul, some protesters were heard chanting, “Withdraw emergency martial law,” while others shouted, “Step outside, step outside!” and “You can’t get in.” According to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, the entrance to the National Assembly has been sealed, preventing Members of Parliament (MPs) from entering the building. A leader of a minor opposition party informed the AP that there were not enough lawmakers present to vote down the martial law declaration due to police barricades blocking access to the Parliament.

All military units in the country, which remains technically at war with nuclear-armed North Korea, have been ordered to heighten their emergency alert levels and reinforce readiness measures.

HOW LONG WILL MARTIAL LAW LAST?

It remains uncertain how long President Yoon’s declaration of martial law will remain in effect. According to South Korean law, martial law can be overturned by a majority vote in the 300-member National Assembly. However, with the opposition Democratic Party holding a parliamentary majority, the situation may lead to a political showdown. South Korea’s military has declared that Parliament and other political gatherings that could cause “social confusion” will be suspended, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.

DOS & DON’TS DURING MARTIAL LAW

• Political Ban: All political activities, rallies, and actions against democracy are prohibited.
• Media Control: Media and publications are under martial law oversight.
• Misinformation: Fake news and propaganda are banned.
• No Strikes: Strikes and disruptive gatherings are prohibited.
• Medical Recall: Medical staff must resume duties within 48 hours or face penalties.
• Citizen Safeguards: Minimal disruption is ensured for law-abiding citizens.

YOON SUK YEOL’S TELEVISED ADDRESS

During a televised address, President Yoon stated that martial law was necessary to “rebuild and protect” the country from “national ruin.” He emphasized his commitment to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.” Yoon further pledged to swiftly eliminate “anti-state forces” and normalize the country, urging the public to trust him despite any resulting “inconveniences.” “To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements that are plundering people’s freedom and happiness, I hereby declare an emergency martial law,” Yoon stated.

“With no regard for the livelihoods of the people, the opposition party has paralyzed governance solely for the sake of impeachments, special investigations, and shielding their leader from justice,” he added.

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